Pet Parade & Contests

Sponsored by Veterinarian Emergency Group

Registration Ends: Monday, Sept. 5, 11:59pm

Contest Start: Sunday, Sept. 11, 11:30am (Gather at 11:00am)

Winners Announced: Following the Contests

DC Gateway Pavilion
St. Elizabeths East
2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE
Washington, DC, 20032

 

Overview

Bring your friendly pet on a leash, or in a cage, tank, or aquarium to the DC State Fair for the 6th Annual DC Pet Parade! Costumes (for you and your pet) are encouraged, but not required.

The parade will start on September 11, 2020 at 11:30am. All DC Pet Parade participants should gather at the South Side of the Pavilion (base of the sloped roof) by 11am to check in. Following the parade will be an award ceremony for the pet contests. 

Parade route TBD depending on number of applicants.

You must be registered to participate.


Contests

Blue (first place), red (second place), and white (third place) ribbons will be awarded in the following categories; register for these contests below:

Active Contests
Longest sit-stay
50 yard dash
Best catcher (frisbee)
Best catcher (tennis ball)
Best "stupid pet trick"

Costume/Appearance Contests:
Best costume: pet only
Best costume: pet and owner
Owner/pet look alike
Most unidentifiable mutt
So ugly...you're cute!
Largest pet (non-dog)
Smallest pet (non-dog)
Lonesome George (most interesting or unique non-dog pet)

Contest Rules

  1. Allowed animals (based on DC Health guidelines):

    1. Domestic dogs, excluding hybrids with wolves, coyotes, or jackals;

    2. Domestic cats, excluding hybrids with ocelots or margays;

    3. Domesticated rodents and rabbits;

    4. Captive-bred species of common cage birds, including chickens;

    5. Non-venomous snakes, fish, and turtles, traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes;

    6. Ferrets; and

    7. Racing pigeons, when kept in compliance with DC Health requirements.

  2. All animals must be leashed and walked on no longer than a four-foot lead.

  3. All dogs that are District residents must have a current DC Dog License.

  4. All dog participants must be current on Rabies and Distemper vaccines and owners must have vaccination paperwork onsite. Cats must be current on Rabies vaccine and owners must also have the current vaccination paperwork onsite.

  5. DC Animal Care and Control will be conducting random unannounced inspections and any animal found that is not in compliance with any of the District Animal Control Codes run the risk of impoundment at the owner’s expense and or dismissal from the District.

  6. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet and providing any needed water.

After the parade, you are invited to stay and participate in Fair and/or beer garden.